The General's close aides claimed that he was raising only social issues and was not part of any political establishment.

The government has decided to withdraw the Z-plus security cover given to former army Chief V.K. Singh. General Singh, who lives in an official accommodation in Delhi Cantonment, was categorised in the Z-plus security bracket which was given for a six-month duration that expired on November 30.

After receiving communication from the government, the army headquarter is in the process of withdrawing the cover, sources said. The former army chief, however, can continue to live in the house. He has been allowed to retain it for six more months.

The former army chief's participation in public protests embarrassed the government even as a section of the establishment raised propriety questions about his holding an official accommodation and behaving like a political activist.

The General's close aides, however, claimed that he was raising only social issues and was not part of any political establishment. Debunking the objections over government accommodation, they claimed it was given because of the Z-plus security cordon around Singh.

"Even the leaders of opposition parties live in government accommodations," an aide said.

General Singh was also named in an FIR filed by the police for allegedly inciting students protesting against the gang rape on Sunday.

The General had taken part in the protests at Jantar Mantar on Sunday along with Baba Ramdev and was stopped by police from marching towards India Gate where the demonstration had turned violent.

The General's aides claimed that naming him in the FIR was a gross mistake because there were recordings available to prove that Singh did not incite students.